Atwater leaders on Tuesday agreed to hire William Novetzke as the city’s next chief of police.
Novetzke — currently a lieutenant in the Atwater Police Department — has been serving the city since 2005.
He will replace Chief Richard McEachin, who is retiring at the end of August after a 22-year law enforcement career.
“I am very pleased that Lieutenant Novetzke has been chosen as Atwater’s next police chief,” said Chief McEachin. “He is well-respected within the department and the community, and I have confidence that he will continue to provide the high level of service the Atwater community deserves.”
Novetzke’s new salary was listed at $166,202.33 annually, plus benefits. He is expected to start in the new role on Sept. 1.
Lt. Novetzke attended the San Joaquin Delta College Police Academy in 1999. Upon graduation, he served as a police officer for the Stockton Unified School District Police Department and the Modesto Police Department prior to joining the Atwater Police Department in 2005. He was promoted to corporal in 2013, and to sergeant in 2015. He became the department’s lieutenant in 2021.
Novetzke holds a bachelor’s degree from Union Institute and University, as well as the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Management Certificate. He completed the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI) course in 2020. Lieutenant Novetzke graduated from the Los Angeles Police Department Leadership Program in 2022 along with completing his Executive Leadership Certification Program from the California Police Chiefs Association in 2025. Lieutenant Novetzke was also awarded the Trilogy Award from the FBI-LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association) in 2022 for completing the required curriculum for the Supervisory, Command, and Executive Leadership Institute.
“Lieutenant Novetzke has consistently demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to public service throughout his career with the Atwater Police Department,” said Atwater City Manager Chris Hoem. “His leadership experience, dedication to the community, and collaborative approach have prepared him to serve as the city’s next police chief. We look forward to working with him as he continues to strengthen public safety and build positive relationships throughout Atwater.”